Cheating The Deck [boyxboy]

Cheating The Deck {17}

                                                                                ***Jack's POV***

                I sat in my room, drumming my fingers against my thigh. Man, I was such an idiot sometimes.

                I sighed and pulled out my cell phone. I was 20 years old, sure, but my mom always knew how to get my dumbass into line.

                Listening to the rings as I held the phone to my ear, I laid back on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Why had I kissed Ace like that?

                "Hi Jack!"

                My mom sounded absolutely delighted that I'd called her. "Hey, ma. Don't sound too happy. I need advice."

                "Are you okay?" she asked.

                "Yea, I'm hanging in there. Look, remember that manipulative kid I told you Delaney got caught up with?" I said.

                "Yes, I remember. Is Delaney okay?"

                "He's okay. But this kid is..." I paused, wondering how to word it. I didn't want to tell my mom that I was caught up with Ace. She'd worry about me being tangled with someone like him. "I don't know, ma. He's got something really wrong with him. I think he's broken in a way no one can fix."

                "Jack, no one is broken beyond repair," mom said. I could imagine that fierce look she got in her eyes when it came to people. She believed what she was saying. She believed anyone could be put back together with enough love and compassion.

                "I'll be sure to pass along that message," I said.

                "Some people just need more guidance than others," mom said.

                "Well unfortunately for him, I'm not qualified to give guidance," I said.

                "Jack! Unless you know this boy's whole story, I hope you're not judging him. Not everyone was lucky enough to have a family that loves them as much as we love you, or to have the money that we have, or to get the proper guidance you had," mom said, working herself into a rant.

                "I know, I know. I'm a lucky kid who's spoiled beyond all reason. I just don't think he's safe for Dex," I said.

                "Then tell Delaney to slow down with this boy. He doesn't have to cut him out- just take his time," mom suggested.

                "Maybe you should just be Dex's mom instead of mine," I said. "You might be able to talk some sense into his thick head."

                "I like being your mom," she said.

                "Good, because you don't really have much of a choice. Alright, I'm going to let you go now. I just needed you advice," I said. "Bye mom. Love you."

                I hung up the phone and got off of my bed. I looked at the little collection of CDs I had brought to college with me, wondering why CDs were starting to die out. Having music on your phone was convenient, sure. But holding that physical copy in your hands was better.

                There was a light knock on my door and then Delaney came in. He shut my door and leaned against it.

                "Listen, I know you're going to tell me I'm an idiot. But I want to ask Ace out. And I don't want you to be a dick about it," he said.